Mechanical Engineer Salary in Eau Claire, WI: $80,648 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Eau Claire, WI earns a median $80,648/year (≈ $38.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Eau Claire's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $86,909 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.2% below the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, opportunities for mechanical engineers present a salary landscape that reflects the city's unique industrial mix, prominently featuring aerospace and automotive sectors. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary stands at $80,648, significantly lower than the national average of $107,150 and highlighting a regional wage gap in mechanical engineer pay in Eau Claire, WI. Salaries range from $62,771 at the 10th percentile to $130,245 at the 90th percentile, illustrating varying levels of compensation based on industry and experience. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, signals robust potential for career advancement, particularly as Eau Claire expands its influence in significant sectors like aerospace with companies like SpaceX and Boeing.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,771 | $30.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,121 | $36.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,648 | $38.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,831 | $48.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,245 | $62.62 |
Median Salary Position
24.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eau Claire
In Eau Claire, WI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,474 (2026 est.). At $80,648, the local median is 24.73% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Eau Claire: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Eau Claire Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Eau Claire median: $80,648/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Eau Claire Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $96,239 | -16.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -24.73% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $80,648 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.73% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 16.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Eau Claire has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Eau Claire, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.796 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $80,648 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,909 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,810
2025 BLS Actual
$78,360
2026 Current Est.
$80,648
2019–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,648 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Eau Claire metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 10.7% from $70,810 (2019) to $78,360 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,193 (17.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,771 – $75,121 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,121 – $80,648 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,648 – $100,831 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,831 – $130,245 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Eau Claire
The local job market for mechanical engineers is supported by approximately 160 professionals currently employed in the area, which cultivates a competitive yet accessible environment for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 92.796, engineers can enjoy a better purchasing power compared to many national urban centers. Employers focusing on aerospace and defense tend to offer the highest salaries, often incentivized by the need for specialized skills and security clearances. However, industries such as HVAC also show promise, especially for those pursuing a PE license. The gap in salaries among mechanical engineers in Eau Claire reflects industry variations and growth opportunities, with employers offering equity compensation in tech-adjacent roles further affecting pay scales. For engineers aiming to maximize their earnings, strategically targeting positions in evolving sectors, pursuing advanced certifications, and considering relocation to more lucrative markets could significantly enhance their career trajectories.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,360 for mechanical engineersin the Eau Claire metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov